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Top 10 Student Worker Certifications

Photo of Brenna Goyette
Brenna Goyette
Certified Professional Resume Writer, Career Expert

Updated 16 min read

Certifications are an important way for student workers to demonstrate their knowledge and skills in a particular field. They provide employers with an assurance that the worker has the necessary qualifications to perform the job effectively. In addition, certifications can also provide an opportunity for career advancement, as employers may be more likely to hire or promote employees who have obtained certain credentials. Certifications also demonstrate a commitment to ongoing professional development, which is attractive to employers looking for employees with a dedication to learning and growth. Finally, certifications can help student workers stand out from other applicants by showcasing their expertise in a competitive job market.

The purpose of this article is to provide an overview of the top certifications for Student Workers and explain how they can benefit a student worker's career.

What are Student Worker Certifications?

Student worker certification is a formal process of verifying the qualifications and experience of students who are employed in part-time or temporary positions. The certification process helps employers determine if the student has the necessary skills, knowledge and work ethic to successfully complete the job. It also serves as a form of quality assurance for employers who hire students, ensuring that they have met certain standards and/or qualifications. This certification can help employers ensure that they are hiring qualified, reliable workers who will be able to handle the tasks assigned to them. Additionally, it helps employers protect themselves from potential legal liability associated with hiring inexperienced workers. By certifying students, employers can be sure that they are receiving quality service from those they hire.

Pro Tip: Make sure to research the requirements for student worker certification in your area before you begin the process. Different states and communities may have different rules, so it's important to know what you need to do in order to become certified.

Related: What does a Student Worker do?

Top 10 Student Worker Certifications

Here’s our list of the best certifications available to Student Workers today.

1. Certified Student Worker

Certified Student Worker (CSW) is a program designed to help students gain valuable work experience and develop the skills needed to succeed in the workforce. It is an opportunity for students to gain hands-on experience while earning money. The program is offered through college campuses or other organizations that offer job placement services.

The length of time it takes to get certified as a student worker varies depending on the institution and the program requirements. Generally, it can take anywhere from one week to several months to complete all of the necessary paperwork, training, and assessments required for certification.

To become a Certified Student Worker, you must first find an organization or college campus that offers the program. You will then need to fill out an application and submit any relevant documents such as transcripts or letters of recommendation. Once accepted into the program, you will receive training in areas such as customer service, communication skills, and problem-solving techniques. After completing your training, you will be tested on your knowledge and skills before being awarded your certification.

The cost of becoming a Certified Student Worker varies depending on the organization offering the program. Most programs are free or low-cost; however, some may require a fee for materials or testing fees.

2. Certified Student Employment Professional

Certified Student Employment Professional (CSEP) is a professional certification program designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated knowledge and experience in the field of student employment. This certification is offered through the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE).

It takes approximately 6 months to complete all requirements for the CSEP certification. To qualify, applicants must meet certain criteria, including having at least two years of full-time professional experience in student employment or related fields, such as career services or human resources. Applicants must also complete a written exam and submit three letters of recommendation from supervisors or colleagues attesting to their experience and expertise in student employment.

The cost for the CSEP certification is $450 for NACE members and $550 for non-members. This fee includes the exam fee, application processing fee, and one year of membership dues with NACE.

3. Certified Student Employment Administrator

Certified Student Employment Administrator (CSEA) is a professional certification program that recognizes the expertise of student employment administrators. It is designed to provide recognition and validation of the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to successfully manage student employment programs. The CSEA program is offered by the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE).

To become a Certified Student Employment Administrator, you must have at least two years of experience in student employment administration or related fields. You must also complete an online application and submit official transcripts from your undergraduate or graduate degree program. Once accepted into the program, you will be required to complete two courses: one on student employment law and one on student employment management. After completing these courses, you will take an exam to demonstrate your knowledge and understanding of the material covered in the courses. Upon successful completion of the exam, you will be awarded your CSEA certification.

The cost for the CSEA program varies depending on whether you are taking both courses or just one course. If taking both courses, it costs $350 for NACE members and $450 for non-members. If taking just one course, it costs $200 for NACE members and $250 for non-members.

Overall, it typically takes about six months to complete the CSEA program if taking both courses; however, this timeline may vary depending on individual circumstances such as work schedule or other commitments.

4. Certified Student Employment Counselor

Certified Student Employment Counselor (CSEC) is a professional certification program that provides training and education to individuals who are interested in working with college students in the areas of student employment, career planning, and job search. The certification is designed to provide employers with assurance that the individual has the necessary knowledge and skills to assist college students in their job search, career development, and other related activities.

The CSEC program consists of two components: an online course and an exam. The online course covers topics such as job search strategies, resume writing, interviewing techniques, networking, and career counseling. It takes approximately 10-15 hours to complete the course. After completing the course, applicants must pass an exam administered by a third-party testing agency in order to receive their certification.

To get certified as a CSEC, applicants must first complete the online course and then register for the exam. Registration for the exam can be done through the website of the third-party testing agency or through a local testing center. The cost of registration varies depending on where it is taken but typically ranges from $50-$100 USD. Once registered for the exam, applicants will be given access to study materials which they should review before taking the exam.

Once applicants have passed their exams they will receive their official CSEC certificate which is valid for three years before needing to be renewed. Renewal requires completion of continuing education credits which can be obtained through attending workshops or seminars related to student employment counseling or by taking additional courses related to this field of study.

Overall, becoming certified as a CSEC requires some time investment but provides individuals with valuable knowledge and skills that can help them better serve college students seeking assistance with their job search and career development needs.

5. Certified Student Employment Manager

Certified Student Employment Manager (CSEM) is a professional certification program for student employment professionals. It is designed to provide recognition of the knowledge and skills required to be an effective manager in the student employment field. The CSEM certification requires successful completion of a comprehensive exam, which covers topics such as job analysis, recruiting, interviewing, hiring, training, performance management, and legal compliance.

The CSEM certification process typically takes about two months from start to finish. To get started on the path to becoming certified, individuals must first complete an online application and pay a nonrefundable fee of $75. Once approved by the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE), applicants will receive access to the online exam portal. The exam consists of 100 multiple-choice questions and must be completed within three hours. After passing the exam, applicants must submit evidence of their educational background and experience in student employment before they are officially certified as a CSEM.

The cost for obtaining the CSEM certification is $75 for NACE members and $150 for non-members. In addition to this fee, there may be additional costs associated with any necessary training or education courses that are required for certification eligibility.

6. Certified Student Supervisor

Certified Student Supervisor (CSS) is a certification program offered by the National Association of Student Personnel Administrators (NASPA). The program is designed to provide student affairs professionals with the knowledge and skills necessary to effectively supervise and mentor student staff members.

The CSS certification requires a minimum of 30 hours of coursework and activities, including online modules, seminars, and field experiences. The curriculum covers topics such as supervision theory, legal issues, personnel management, communication strategies, ethical considerations, and more. Participants must also complete an assessment at the end of the program in order to receive their certification.

In order to obtain the CSS certification, individuals must complete all required coursework within two years. Additionally, individuals must pay a fee for each module taken as well as an application fee. The total cost for the program varies depending on which modules are taken but typically ranges from $400-$500 USD.

Once all requirements have been met, individuals will receive their official Certified Student Supervisor certificate from NASPA. This certificate is valid for three years and may be renewed by completing additional coursework or activities related to student supervision.

7. Certified Student Job Coach

Certified Student Job Coach (CSJC) is a certification program designed to help students learn the skills necessary to secure and maintain employment. The program focuses on teaching job-seeking skills such as resume writing, interviewing, networking, and job search strategies. It also provides guidance on how to navigate the workplace, including understanding employer expectations and developing professional relationships.

The CSJC certification can be obtained through an online course that typically takes around 10 hours to complete. The course covers topics such as career exploration, job search strategies, resume writing, interviewing techniques, networking tips, and more. After completing the coursework, students must pass an exam in order to receive their certification.

The cost of the CSJC certification varies depending on where you take the course. Generally speaking, it can range from $50-$200 USD.

Overall, the Certified Student Job Coach program is a great way for students to gain valuable knowledge and skills that will help them in their job search journey.

8. Certified Student Job Placement Specialist

Certified Student Job Placement Specialist is a professional certification program offered by the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE). The purpose of this certification is to recognize those individuals who have demonstrated expertise in helping students transition from college to career. This certification is designed for professionals who provide job placement services to college students, including career counselors, academic advisors, and student employment coordinators.

The program consists of two components: an online course and a proctored exam. The online course covers topics such as job search strategies, resume writing, interviewing techniques, networking skills, and employer relations. The proctored exam assesses knowledge of the material covered in the course.

It typically takes 3-4 months to complete the program. To get started, you must first register with NACE and pay a registration fee. Once registered, you will receive access to the online course materials and instructions on how to schedule your proctored exam.

The cost of the Certified Student Job Placement Specialist program varies depending on whether you are a member or non-member of NACE. For members, the cost is $350; for non-members, it is $450.

9. Certified Student Recruiter/Employer Relations Professional

Certified Student Recruiter/Employer Relations Professional (CSR/ERP) is a professional certification offered by the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE). The certification program is designed to recognize individuals who demonstrate a high level of knowledge and expertise in the areas of student recruitment, employer relations, and career services.

It typically takes about six months to complete the CSR/ERP certification process. To become certified, applicants must first complete an online application and submit a professional resume. After submitting the application, applicants must then take an exam that covers topics such as recruiting strategies, employer relations, career services, job search strategies, and more. Applicants must also complete two case studies that demonstrate their ability to apply their knowledge in real-world scenarios.

The cost for the CSR/ERP certification program varies depending on whether or not you are a member of NACE. For non-members, the cost is $450 for the exam fee plus $50 for each case study completed. For members of NACE, the cost is $350 for the exam fee plus $50 for each case study completed.

Once applicants have successfully passed all components of the certification process, they will receive their CSR/ERP certification from NACE which will be valid for three years before needing to be renewed.

10. Certified Work-Study Program Coordinator

A Certified Work-Study Program Coordinator is a professional who has been certified by the National Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators (NASFAA) to help students find work-study programs. The certification requires a minimum of two years of experience in the field and passing an exam.

The exam covers topics such as financial aid regulations, student loan programs, and job search strategies. It also tests knowledge of student employment laws and procedures, as well as budgeting and financial literacy skills.

To get certified, applicants must first complete the NASFAA’s online application form and pay a fee of $150. Once approved, they will be sent an email with instructions on how to register for the exam. The exam can be taken at any time during the year, but it must be completed within six months of registration.

Once the exam is passed, applicants will receive their certification from NASFAA. This certification is valid for three years and can be renewed after that time period by taking another exam or completing additional continuing education courses.

Do You Really Need a Student Worker Certificate?

Yes, you do need a student worker certificate in order for your employer to legally employ you and ensure that you are eligible to work. The certificate serves as an official document that verifies your status as a student worker, which is important for employers when they are considering hiring someone. It also shows employers that you are serious about your education and career goals. Furthermore, having a student worker certificate can be beneficial when applying for future jobs or internships. It is evidence of your commitment to learning and hard work, which can increase your chances of being hired. Additionally, it demonstrates that you have the right qualifications and experience necessary to excel in the role.

Overall, having a student worker certificate can be beneficial in many ways. It provides employers with assurance that you are qualified to work and committed to pursuing an education and career path. Furthermore, it gives them peace of mind knowing that they will not face any legal issues by employing you. Finally, it can help improve your job prospects by showing potential employers that you have the dedication and skills necessary for success in the workplace.

Related: Student Worker Resume Examples

FAQs About Student Worker Certifications

1. What is a student worker certification?

Answer: A student worker certification is a document that confirms an individual has been enrolled in a program, such as an apprenticeship or internship, and has received the necessary training and qualifications to work in a particular field or profession.

2. How long does it take to get certified?

Answer: The length of time it takes to get certified depends on the type of certification you are seeking and the requirements set forth by the certifying body. Generally, most certificates can be obtained within several months or less.

3. What are the benefits of getting certified?

Answer: Being certified provides many benefits including increased job opportunities, recognition of your skillset, higher pay rates, better career prospects, and greater job security.

4. Do I need to renew my certification?

Answer: Yes, depending on the type of certification you have obtained, it may be necessary to renew your certification periodically in order to maintain its validity.

5. Is there an exam required for certification?

Answer: Depending on the type of certification you are seeking, there may be an exam requirement in order to obtain your certificate. It is important to research each specific program’s requirements prior to enrolling in order to understand what will be expected of you during the process.

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Editor

Brenna Goyette

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Brenna is a certified professional resume writer, career expert, and the content manager of the ResumeCat team. She has a background in corporate recruiting and human resources and has been writing resumes for over 10 years. Brenna has experience in recruiting for tech, finance, and marketing roles and has a passion for helping people find their dream jobs. She creates expert resources to help job seekers write the best resumes and cover letters, land the job, and succeed in the workplace.

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